Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

When I arrived to Spain I couldn't speak the basic language, but it was not a problem for me, because I have a good ability in learning new languages (I have allready studyed English, French, German and Latin). I knew what was important to study and I choosed a good course of spanish; I have lived all the time with students that speak spanish, so I improved the language very well. Finally I think that the best way I improved it was to read books.

My main objectives/goals were to first improve my grammar, second, my vocabulary, and third, lose my american accent, [the first] two of which I have accomplished, and the last upon working fulltime with a telecommunications company that required me to speak spanish in a way that the hispanic clients could fully understand. If given the opportunity again, I would have attempted to make more connections with the locals which would have made my listening in class a lot easier.

I went to Spain after 2 years of learning spanish, so my level was itnermediate. In the beginning I was really hapy when understanding 75 % of classes. But one lears really fast - by wtching tv, by speaking with spanish people, by participating in classes. After 2 months I undesrtood almost everything and didn`t have any bigger problem with communication. I think that studing abroad is the best way to learn the foreign language!

I've been here now for a year and a half so by now I'm very comfortable with the host language. The first year here was definitely more of a struggle with the language, especially more colloquial ways of speaking. I came in with a good knowledge of spanish on paper but with a lot of trouble speaking and understanding. It is always interesting to learn more so although frustrating, it is also rewarding improving my Spanish.

I had never studied Spanish before so it was very difficult in the first few months - but not impossible, it just added to the experience. But I took prvate lessons in a school and soon was very fluent. After a few months, I realised I had to make a lot of SPanish friends as well becasue, always being with outher international students - I only spoke english with them.

Considering that I knew nothing of spanish when I first arrived to Madrid, I think I acquired pretty good language skills. The fact that I had the opportunity to learn the language in its country of origin was a big advantage and I am certain that I wouldn't have a better spanish if I had learned it in a course in my home country.